pinku

Breaking the Japanese craft book drought

I had some spare time before meeting a friend for drinks on Friday night, so I popped into Okadaya in Shinjuku. If you are looking for Japanese craft books, they have a great selection. Another recommendation for craft books is Book 1st in Shibuya. I promise you won't leave empty handed unless you have superforce strength willpower.

I usually avoid Shinjuku as much as possible because the place gives me the biggest headache, but I realized on Friday night that it's super fun to venture out into the BIG, BIG city every now and again because you can see lots of crazy and fun things like this guy who was headbanging along with a few groupies.

Most of the new knitting books came out in September and I have to admit I was a little disappointed - many featured patterns that seemed very similar to last year. Finally I found a few books on Friday night that I wanted. I limited myself to three since I didn't want to carry around anymore. I took some blurry photos this morning while still half asleep - sorry 'bout that. These photos have also convinced me that we really do need a new camera.

The first is a book about felt - it's colourful, inspirational and oh so cute. (click here to view book on Amazon Japan)

Here's a couple of images from the books:

felt brooch

I also bought a small knitting book dedicated to room shoes (aka slippers), which was released by Nihon Vogue last week. It's hot off the presses!! These make great presents for people and also make for quick fun knitting!!

I love the mary jane slippers on the front, and the ones in the photo below. Actually I pretty much like all of the patterns, but most of the photos I took were too blurry....note to self - need new camera!!!!

the rug pattern is also in the book

The last book I bought is from the very cheap Ondori series of Japanese craft books and is about macrame. (click to view book on Amazon Japan) Lately I have been thinking about how my mum used to do macrame when I was little and thought I'd check it out. There are a couple of cute bag patterns in there and the book only cost 280 yen!! They'll look great in some really brightly coloured hemp yarn.

So there are a few more photos from inside the books on my flickr so check 'em out!!!!

Knitting Peaches

This year's Knit Out was great - actually it's the first one I've ever been too. It was a bit tiring and nervewracking waiting around to do the talk shows, but heaps of people were there and it was great to see people young and old sitting around knitting!!

The venue - Omotesando Hills

The patterns and yarn that was being given away

There was a knitting performance

Another reason Pinn rules - her awesome Halloween costume!!

there was knit art

And Taeko and I managed to get through two talk shows without any major hiccups. Talking in front of a large crowd in your native language is hard enough, but doing it in your second language is even worse. Except I'm kind of adept at blocking out Japanese (even my own) and ignoring my mistakes. Thanks to Taeko for all of your support!!!

The highlight of the day though, without a doubt was PEACHES and the HERMS! As soon as I finished my second talk show, Daz and I ran to the train station so we could get to the venue on time. The show was due to start at 6pm and it really did start right on six with no support bands (good ol' Japan). It was so weird to be watching the crazy powerful, energetic, rauchy band at 6pm in the evening (I think they were slightly weirded out by it too). We got out of there by 7:15pm - crazy. I found out we weren't supposed to take photos when one of the staff grabbed at my camera but luckily he didn't make me delete the photos I had already taken. Peaches did all of her costume changes on stage - she'd just rip off one layer after another and then add some awesome capes.

Right at the end of the show, Peaches and Radio Sloan spat out some red (blood-like) liquid into the crowd - when they turned the lights on at the end the young Japanese girl in front of me turned around and looked at me completely horrified that her clothes were now covered in red stains - I just reassured her that it would come out in the wash.

And Darin even made some new friends after the show.

More camping photos

I was going to write about how Cameron Diaz is now part of Softbank's new mobile phone campaign in Japan after seeing her face plastered all over Shibuya this morning, but you can just watch the YouTube video of her new commercial if you want. I must say it's a smart move by Softbank as was the promotion where you get a free ipod nano with a new Softbank phone.

I would write about knitting, but you see I have NO time to knit. It's sad. I don't even have a project on my needles. This is vexing me (watched the BBC tv version of Jane Eyre this week) as I have plenty of people that I need to knit for. Chris I promise your scarf will be coming soon, which in knitting time is about a month?? I also need to seam up my Rebecca cardigan so I can wear it to the Knit Out tomorrow (i.e. if it looks good on of course). I have quite a dilemma on my hands though - I need an outfit tomorrow that is appropriate for both the Knit Out and Peaches since the show starts at 6pm and there'll be no time for a outfit change!!!!

I would write about how it was my blog's 3rd anniversary last Saturday, but it's sad that this is the first year I haven't celebrated with some kind of swap or event. Maybe I'll do a new year's swap - perfect timing to cheer everyone up (meaning mostly me)mid winter.

But then Tyler came to the rescue and provided me with some new pictures of our camping trip in Tochigi - perfect blog material. The following photos were all taken by him.

Ok I'm off to have some Friday night drinks with an old friend. Hope you have a great weekend and I'll see you next week!

Everything is peachy

Life is getting busy. With less than three weeks before we leave for the US, our schedule is packed in such a great way.

Things kick off this Saturday with Clover's annual Knit Out - the event was held at Roppongi Hills last year and it has been planned a little differently this year with lots of mini knit outs in cafes around Harajuku/Omotesando/Aoyama. The main session of the knit out will be happening this Saturday October 28 (12:30pm - 8pm) and Sunday October 29 (11am - 8pm) in the basement of Omotesando Hills. Come and knit!!! As a side note, both Taeko and myself will be participating in a talk show on Saturday, where we'll talk about the Tokyo SNB and Taeko's other crafty group - Shibuya Shugeibu. It's a little bit nervewracking.

Then that night we are heading to see Peaches at Unit in Ebisu.

On Sunday to celebrate the visit of my friend Amanda, who's on her way back to Australia from Copenhagen, we are going to search for an outdoor onsen with views of pretty red leaves.

At the beginning of November there is even more excitement with more visitors - I'm finally getting to meet Mariko and Kelly who will be visiting on official Superbuzzy business.

In Jaywalker sock news, I decided to take Stephanie's advice and finished the second sock in um....a totally different sock yarn. It is certainly now a mutant sock. Photos to come!

OOH and Jen of Moving Hands, one of the original founders of the Tokyo SNB and mother of two has started blogging again, as has Joy of Dynamite Knits who now lives in beautiful Hawaii (so jealous...) - YAHOO! Nice to have you back ladies.

Oh and in piggie news, we've decided that Loretta is our teen pig. She's rambunctious and rebellious and just a little bit crazy. She talks constantly, picks fights with Sugar and headbutts her dish in the morning...sometimes at night too. Darin created this photo just for her. You get the idea.

Ancient times

There's nothing like a bit of time travel back to ancient times to escape the stresses of modern life in Tokyo. A couple of years ago I read that Nicole of the former Ureshiidesu blog had visited a campground in Tochigi that had been created to replicate an ancient Japanese village. I instantly wanted to go. We finally made it this weekend and had a blast. Thanks Nicole!

In true Japanese style absolutely everything was provided - cutlery, plates, dishes, cookware, bbq set, futons, pillowcases, dishwashing liquid and best of all electricity. Our hut had a thatched roof and you could make a fire in the irori (indoor fire pit) at night time.

We also found out that for only 100 yen extra per person you could rent ancient style clothes to really authenticate the old Japanese experience. We found them surprisingly warm.

Jess's sack made him wanna dance

We ate delicious veggie kebabs (thanks Claire!)

Explored our surroundings

and climbed on an ancient (not really) fort with flying foxes (zip lines to the Americans out there). We woke up the next day wondering why we were so sore and then realized that we are all not as young as we used to be (in body but not in mind).

It was a great weekend and you can see the rest of my photos here. Hope everyone out there in the knit bloggy world had fun at Rhinebeck - I'll make it soon I swear!!

Because I'm a sheep

1. FIRST NAME?
Kat, which is short for Katherine. Just don't call me Kathy. Pre-blog era I was known as Kath actually.

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nah, I think my mum was on a roll after naming my sister Kristina and decided to stick with a K name.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Got teary last night watching the Project Runway finale....um because I cry during nearly all of the reality tv I watch, especially the Amazing Race and the Biggest Loser!!

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes, it's fine but my dad thinks I hold my pencil incorrectly.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
Turkey! Turkey! Turkey!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
As my husband would say, DUH!

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
Nothing but this blog.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, I think so.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Hmm, well I've parachuted from 14,000 feet before so hell yes, I'd bungee jump

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
This year was a turnaround and now I'm in love with traditional oatmeal with fruit. I never thought I'd like porridge. I thought it was completely gross as a kid.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends on the shoe, and since you have to take your shoes off ALL the time in Japan, if you are smart your shoes won't have laces

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Hell yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Not the biggest ice cream fan - yes it's true! But I'm gonna go with coconut because I love all things coconut.

14. SHOE SIZE?
US 9 or 9.5, European 40 or a Japanese 25.5 or 26cm.

15. RED OR PINK?
Um, pink.....although I actually wear red way more often.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
my laziness

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Ann, Michael, Stephen, Kristina, Chris, Jack and Mia.....and the rest of my family.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Um, I didn't send this to anyone

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Denim pants, blue and white top and red shoes.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Mmm, a focaccia with melted cheese all over the top

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
A coworker speaking Japanese and the sounds of fingers hitting the keyboard

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
pink

23. FAVORITE SMELL?
coconut sunscreen and the smell of the ocean

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
the travel agent

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
their witty sense of humour

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from?
Mindy rules.

27. FAVORITE DRINK?
Hmm, I really like the mixed fruit juices you can buy on the platform of JR train stations.

28. FAVORITE SPORT?
Swimming

29. EYE COLOR?
Hazel

30. HAT SIZE?
Normal?

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Used to but I abused wearing them so much that I haven't been able to wear them for four months. I bought some new glasses though and am loving them. Contacts are much more convenient though. Maybe one day I'll be able to wear them again.

32. FAVORITE FOOD?
Um, can't answer this question because I love nearly ALL food, ALL the time. Actually is 10:40am and I'm already thinking about what I want for lunch. If I HAD to choose, I have to say JAPANESE, JAPANESE, JAPANESE!!!

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy all the way.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter hates me and I hate winter. Summer I love you.

36. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both

37. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Easy, that'd be hot home-made apple pie.

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
I'm revisiting 'Knitting in Plain English' by Maggie Righetti. It's funny reading. When she talks about buying enough yarn of the same dyelot for a project she says 'I hope that you care enough about yourself to make sure'. I care.

41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Fujitsu - The possibilities are endless.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
Project Runway...I'm going to miss you. And Lost. And the Daily Show.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
My piggies in the morning before they are going to get fed. It cheers me up no end.

44. ROLLING STONEs OR BEATLES?
Since the Japanese love the Beatles SO much I'm going with the Rolling Stones.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME?
Beaver, Oklahoma

46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
making up new words (wouldn't you agree, Darin?), and finding bargains.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Stolen from Gidget.

1. FIRST NAME?
Kat, which is short for Katherine. Just don't call me Kathy. Pre-blog era I was known as Kath actually.

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nah, I think my mum was on a roll after naming my sister Kristina and decided to stick with a K name.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Got teary last night watching the Project Runway finale....um because I cry during nearly all of the reality tv I watch, especially the Amazing Race and the Biggest Loser!!

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes, it's fine but my dad thinks I hold my pencil incorrectly.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
Turkey! Turkey! Turkey!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
As my husband would say, DUH!

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
Nothing but this blog.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, I think so.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Hmm, well I've parachuted from 14,000 feet before so hell yes, I'd bungee jump

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
This year was a turnaround and now I'm in love with traditional oatmeal with fruit. I never thought I'd like porridge. I thought it was completely gross as a kid.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends on the shoe, and since you have to take your shoes off ALL the time in Japan, if you are smart your shoes won't have laces

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Hell yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Not the biggest ice cream fan - yes it's true! But I'm gonna go with coconut because I love all things coconut.

14. SHOE SIZE?
US 9 or 9.5, European 40 or a Japanese 25.5 or 26cm.

15. RED OR PINK?
Um, pink.....although I actually wear red way more often.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
my laziness

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Ann, Michael, Stephen, Kristina, Chris, Jack and Mia.....and the rest of my family.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Um, I didn't send this to anyone

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Denim pants, blue and white top and red shoes.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Mmm, a focaccia with melted cheese all over the top

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
A coworker speaking Japanese and the sounds of fingers hitting the keyboard

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
pink

23. FAVORITE SMELL?
coconut sunscreen and the smell of the ocean

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
the travel agent

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
their witty sense of humour

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from?
Mindy rules.

27. FAVORITE DRINK?
Hmm, I really like the mixed fruit juices you can buy on the platform of JR train stations.

28. FAVORITE SPORT?
Swimming

29. EYE COLOR?
Hazel

30. HAT SIZE?
Normal?

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Used to but I abused wearing them so much that I haven't been able to wear them for four months. I bought some new glasses though and am loving them. Contacts are much more convenient though. Maybe one day I'll be able to wear them again.

32. FAVORITE FOOD?
Um, can't answer this question because I love nearly ALL food, ALL the time. Actually is 10:40am and I'm already thinking about what I want for lunch. If I HAD to choose, I have to say JAPANESE, JAPANESE, JAPANESE!!!

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy all the way.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter hates me and I hate winter. Summer I love you.

36. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both

37. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Easy, that'd be hot home-made apple pie.

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
I'm revisiting 'Knitting in Plain English' by Maggie Righetti. It's funny reading. When she talks about buying enough yarn of the same dyelot for a project she says 'I hope that you care enough about yourself to make sure'. I care.

41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Fujitsu - The possibilities are endless.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
Project Runway...I'm going to miss you. And Lost. And the Daily Show.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
My piggies in the morning before they are going to get fed. It cheers me up no end.

44. ROLLING STONEs OR BEATLES?
Since the Japanese love the Beatles SO much I'm going with the Rolling Stones.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME?
Beaver, Oklahoma

46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
making up new words (wouldn't you agree, Darin?), and finding bargains.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Stolen from Gidget.

Dolly and We're MARCH!

Recently I've been lusting after a vintage Dolly Parton tshirt - do you have one that you want to part with? Probably not. Why would you want to. Finally I found the most adorable tshirt transfer on ebay and WON the auction, but to my dismay the seller is not responding to my emails - why!!!! They also have no other auctions listed at the moment. I came so close to this but am still so far.

I haven't ripped my socks yet but I'm going to do it tonight. Here's the kit I bought from the Kim Hargreaves website. It's the Rebecca Cardigan made from Big Wool. I've never used Big Wool before and the name is apt because that stuff is 'big'. I've never knit with needles so big!! I guess it's a great yarn for beginners because it knits up so quick and also because you can see every mistake and the way your decreases and increases look very clearly - it's kind of scary actually. It's like looking at your knitting with a magnifying glass. I finished all of the knitting last night so I just need to seam the sleeves and set them in. It's bulky and that's got me worried, but it is oh so soft and cuddly. We're going camping on the weekend so maybe I'll take my new cardie for a spin in the hills of Tochigi (or not considering how much I paid for the whole darn kit).

UPDATED to include:

The KNITTY Calendar is up for sale in the KNITTY shop! Congrats to all the winners (that includes me, Jo and Jenn too - woohoo!)! Go buy one now! Our free copy of the calendar will be given to our wonderful, beautiful and generous photographer Martine!!

What a great cover - I agree with Amy that looking at it feels like a big warm hug!!! BTW, we're MARCH - a fine month heralding the end of winter - how perfect!

Lip them! Lip them off!

Some things just make me happy like this cutey cute mini pouch/coin purse (zip in top) which I purchased today from one of my favourite crafters/artists here in Tokyo. (sorry about the crap keitai photo)

And then some things make me sad like this sorry state of affairs:

Stephanie was sweet enough to gift me with some beautiful Socks That Rock yarn back when she visited Japan last year. I finally got around to knitting up some socks and decided that Jaywalkers they had to be. And embarassingly enough, even after reading the most helpful of websites and being the millionth person to knit these socks, I ran out of yarn. I wasn't even close to finishing the 2nd foot and to be honest I kind of knew when starting the 2nd sock that this would happen. It was kind of like when you are in a bad relationship and you know you should end it, but you want it so bad that you delude yourself into thinking things will work out until they come to a full stop (as shown in the picture). Um yeah, so anyway...

I was thinking of ripping back the toe of the first sock and using that yarn to finish up to the toe of the 2nd sock and then using another colour to knit the toe, but I think I'm just gonna rip the entire first sock and reknit it with a shorter leg. To be honest they are a super quick knit, but it's still pretty depressing.

But moving onto more exciting and happy news, we're more than likely going to the USA for Thanksgiving (my first real one) - woohoo! I'll finally get to meet the talented Erin, one of the organizers of the fabulous Girlie Show in Oklahoma City. If you are nearby OKC this Friday and Saturday be sure to check it out!

I have more to write, but I'll leave it there for today. I have a tendancy to write about seven posts in one. It's just that I have so much information to share with y'all. Oh and did I mention that I cracked and purchased a kit from here!!! Nearly finished it actually!!

WE GOT IN!!!

Can't tell you which pic, but now I know what everyone's getting for Christmas! Much thanks to our talented photographer, Martine!! And much delayed Madonna concert review coming up soon. Now sing along.....

I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Yeah, sweet calender girl
I love, I love, I love my calender girl
Each and every day of the year

(January) You start the year off fine
(February) You're my little valentine
(March) I'm gonna march you down the aisle
(April) You're the Easter Bunny when you smile
Yeah, yeah, my heart's in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calender girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year
(Every day of the year)

(May) Maybe if I ask your dad and mom
(June) They'll let me take you to the Junior Prom
(July) Like a firecracker all aglow
(August) When you're on the beach you steal the show

Yeah, yeah, my heart's in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calendar girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year
(Every day of the year)

(September) Light the candles at your Sweet Sixteen
(October) Romeo and Juliet on Halloween
(November) I'll give thanks that you belong to me
(December) You're the present 'neath my Christmas tree

Yeah, yeah, my heart's in a whirl
I love, I love, I love my little calender girl
Every day (every day), every day (every day) of the year

Florence and blue skies

After a great three-day weekend I feel more energized to get back into blogging. I never stopped knitting (of course) but I just haven't been inspired to blog. I think I need a new camera.

I finished Florence a few weeks ago and it was very exciting. I've worn it many times since too (which is always a sign of success after completing a project). I started this project in Summer last year and had to shelve it after getting frustrated with having mismatched decreases on my neckline. I didn't have the energy to rip. But this summer I pulled it out of hibernation and was determined to complete this project. It is the most detailed piece I've ever knitted with fair aisle, lace, button bands and a collar.

It's hard to take photos of black knitting!! Here's a closer one.

A close up of the sleeve

I was so excited to finish this project and I finally was able to seam set-in sleeves with some sort of confidence.

Pattern: Florence from Rowan 35 Yarn: Jaeger Pure Cotton (now discontinued)

And by the way, we discovered our very own local patch of grass on the weekend. Grass is a pretty rare commodity in Japan, so we were excited. After a terrible terrible rainy cold day last Friday, we were paid back in full with three glorious days full of sunshine and blue skies!

Hope you had a great weekend too!